shoeblack
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of shoeblack
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The words of the little shoeblack rang in my ears all night long, echoed by another voice from within, “What are you?”
From My Friend Smith A Story of School and City Life by Reed, Talbot Baines
He had to live like a gentleman upon this, and to give four guineas a year to the laundress, four to his barber, and two to his shoeblack.
From The English Utilitarians, Volume I. by Stephen, Leslie, Sir
It was just like a story: thrown on the world while yet a child; a shoeblack in New York, fighting for his stand; a lumber-jack in the woods of Michigan; lastly a miner in Arizona.
From The Trail of '98 A Northland Romance by Service, Robert W. (Robert William)
The shoeblack boys, the boys that are gathered into institutions and training ships, are expected to bawl and shout their loudest at the annual fêtes when visitors are present.
From Amaryllis at the Fair by Jefferies, Richard
Reg’lar swell, you know; keep yer own wally, private barber, and shoeblack brigade, yer know, to keep you all square—some one to swear at when yer outer sorts.
From Original Penny Readings A Series of Short Sketches by Fenn, George Manville
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
